California Association of Building Energy Consultants

2022 Energy Code — Basic Facts
Effective January 1, 2023

This information is from the Energy Code Ace document entitled: "Fact Sheet: Single Family Buildings: What's New in 2022" and is available for download at:

https://energycodeace.com/resources

Why Did the Energy Code Change?

The 2022 Energy Code is an important part of California's work to reduce carbon emissions and fight climate change. The Energy Code is updated every three years with the mandate to increase building energy efficiency while staying cost-effective for building owners over the lifespan of a building.

Increases in energy efficiency and on-site generation result in:

The California Energy Commission (CEC) estimates that over 30 years the 2022 Energy Code will provide $1.5 billion in consumer benefits and reduce 10 million metric tons of GHGs — equivalent to taking nearly 2.2 million cars off the road for a year.

For single-family homes, the CEC estimates that the 2022 Energy Code change from using natural gas furnaces to electric heat pumps to heat new homes for most climate zones reduces net CO₂ emissions by 16,230 mTon/yr compared to the 2019 Energy Code, the equivalent of taking 3,641 gas cars off the road each year.

Benefits of the 2022 Energy Code Across All Building Types

Decarbonization Goals

California is aiming to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) while creating an energy system that is resilient to climate risks, spurring innovation and a low-carbon transition nationally and internationally. California's climate goals are among the most ambitious in the country.

GHG Emission Reduction Goals

This can be achieved through a variety of measures, such as incremental steps toward "carbon neutral" buildings, and timely balancing of onsite energy production and consumption in support of a healthy, stable grid. The Energy Code is designed to support reaching these goals.

Learn more here:

https://www.energy.ca.gov/data-reports/reports/building-decarbonization-assessment


Some Key Changes Highlighted

(From "Fact Sheet: Single Family Buildings: What's New in 2022" found at https://energycodeace.com)

Mechanical Systems: Single Family Buildings

Mandatory Requirement Changes

(A mandatory requirement is required, and the requirement is not allowed to be traded away with other energy features.)

Revised Requirement for Water-heating System

New requirements are added when gas water heaters are installed to support future heat pump water heater installation:

  1. When a gas or propane water heater is used, a space at least 2.5 ft x 2.5 ft x 7 ft tall for a future heat pump water heater (HPWH) is required meeting either of the requirements below (meeting all applicable California Electrical Code requirements):
    1. If the HPWH space is within 3 ft of the installed water heater, the following are required:
      1. A dedicated, 125-volt, 20-amp electrical receptacle that is connected to the electric panel with a 120/240-volt 3 conductor, 10-AWG copper branch circuit within 3 ft of the water heater
      2. Labeling both ends of the unused conductor "Spare" and isolating them electrically
      3. A reserved single pole circuit breaker space in the electrical panel adjacent to the circuit breaker for the branch circuit in i above and label it "Future 240V Use"
      4. A condensate drain that is no more than 2 inches higher than the base allowing for natural draining
    2. If the HPWH space is >3 ft from the installed water heater, the following are required:
      1. A dedicated, 240-volt branch circuit rated at 30 amps minimum installed within 3 ft of the space labeled as "240V ready"
      2. Reserved space in the main electrical service panel to allow for the installation of a double pole circuit breaker permanently labeled "For Future 240V use"
      3. Dedicated cold water supply to (or cold water supply running through) the HPWH space before it serves the installed water heater
      4. Hot water supply from the installed water heater that is routed to the HPWH space before serving any fixtures
      5. Hot and cold water supply that are exposed and readily accessible for future HPWH
      6. A condensate drain that is no more than 2 inches higher than the base allowing for natural draining

Revised Requirements for Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality

ASHRAE 62.2 requirements and tables are now included in the Energy Code (not just referenced), which adds new code sections and tables to support compliance to these requirements.

There are new airflow ventilation and verification requirements for kitchen hoods dependent upon whether a range is run by electricity or natural gas.

New minimum efficacy and verification requirements apply for heat recovery ventilation and energy recovery ventilation fan systems, when used.

New Mechanical Requirement: Heat Pump Space Heater Ready

If a natural or propane gas furnace is installed:

  1. A dedicated, 240-volt branch circuit rated at 30 amps minimum must be installed within 3 ft of the installed furnace, accessible to the furnace with no obstructions and labeled "240V ready".
  2. The main electrical service panel must have a reserved space to allow for the installation of a double pole circuit breaker that is permanently labeled "For Future 240V use."

Prescriptive Requirement Changes for Single-Family Residential Buildings

(A prescriptive requirement is required when using the "Prescriptive Compliance Path" to meet the energy code. Prescriptive requirements can be traded away with other energy features using the "Performance Compliance Path" to meet the energy code.)

Revised: Heating System Type

New Prescriptive space-heating heat pump HVAC equipment requirements are added:

Otherwise, there are no changes.

Revised: Domestic Water-heating Systems

New Prescriptive heat pump domestic hot water equipment requirements are added.

Unless the Performance Method is used, a water heater must be one of the following:

  1. In all Climate Zones: One 240-volt heat pump water heater with a storage tank installed in the garage or conditioned space AND
    1. In Climate Zones 1 and 16 only: HERS-verified compact hot water distribution AND
    2. In Climate Zone 16 only: HERS-verified drain water heat recovery system
  2. In all Climate Zones: One 240-volt, NEEA Tier 3 or greater heat pump water heater installed AND in Climate Zone 16 only: HERS-verified drain water heat recovery system with a storage tank installed in the garage or conditioned space
  3. In all Climate Zones: One solar water-heating system, with an annual solar saving fraction of 0.7 or greater, with electric backup and HERS-verified per Residential Appendix RA4

Exceptions:

  1. In Climate Zones 3, 4, 13 and 14 only: Tankless gas or propane instantaneous water heater with an input of ≤200,000 Btuh (no storage tank allowed) when space-heating system is a heat pump per §150.1(c)6
  2. In all Climate Zones in new dwelling units with a conditioned floor area of ≤500 ft²: an instantaneous electric resistance water heater installed with HERS-verified point-of-use distribution
  3. In all Climate Zones: One 120-volt heat pump water heater for a new one bedroom or studio dwelling unit

Revised: Central Fan Integrated Ventilation Systems (AKA HRV/ERV Units)

Be aware of the new Mandatory requirements for central fan integrated ventilation systems §150.0(o)1B.

Small duct, high-velocity air-handling units must have a HERS-verified 0.62 W/CFM or better airflow rate and fan efficacy. For all other equipment types, requirements stay the same: gas furnaces 0.45 W/CFM or better, and non-gas-fueled air-handling units 0.58 W/CFM or better.

Revised: Ventilation Cooling (AKA Whole House Fan)

There is a new exception to ventilation cooling for new dwelling units with a conditioned floor area of ≤500 ft².

Exception to section 150.1(c)12: New dwelling units with a conditioned floor area of 500 square feet or less shall not be required to comply with the WHF requirements.

Prescriptive Requirement Changes for Additions & Alterations to Existing Single-Family Residential Buildings

(A prescriptive requirement is required when using the "Prescriptive Compliance Path" to meet the energy code. Prescriptive requirements can be traded away with other energy features using the Performance Compliance Path" to meet the energy code.)

Revised: Additions

When any length of new ducting is added to a distribution system, HERS duct testing requirements for altered distribution systems per §150.2(b)1Di and ii now are required. (Formerly, HERS verification was required when adding >40 ft of new ducting.)

New or replacement space heating systems serving Additions may be heat pump or gas heating systems.

Revised: Mechanical Ventilation for Indoor Air Quality

There is a new exception to whole-building ventilation of §§150.0(o)1C, E and F for detached junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs).

From §150.0(o)1C: Whole-dwelling unit mechanical ventilation for single-family detached and townhouses. Single-family detached dwelling units, and attached dwelling units not sharing ceilings or floors with other dwelling units, occupiable spaces, public garages, or commercial spaces shall have mechanical ventilation airflow.

It is clarified that applicable local exhaust fan requirements of §§150.0(o)1G and 150.0(o)2 apply for Additions.

Revised: Second Water Heater

When a second water heater is installed as part of an Addition, one of the following types of water heaters must be installed:

  1. A single heat pump water heater with storage tank on R-10 and not located outside with communication interface per 110.12(a) or ANSI/CTA-2045-B communication port OR
  2. A single NEEA Tier 3 or greater heat pump water heater OR
  3. A gas or propane instantaneous water heater with input <200,000 Btuh with no storage tank OR
  4. When an Addition is <500 ft², an instantaneous electric resistance point-of-use water heater is allowed with HERS-verified point-of-use per Reference Residential Appendix RA4.4.5 OR
  5. When approved by the CEC Executive Director as not using more energy than specified above

Revised: Altered Duct Systems — Duct Sealing

New ceiling insulation requirements apply when altering ducts if air handler or ducts are in a vented attic.

Revised: Altered Space-conditioning System — Duct Sealing

Altered HVAC systems with ducting have new HERS duct testing leakage rate requirements of 10% (formerly 15%) and 7% (formerly 10%) for HERS measured duct leakage to outside.

Revised: Altered Space-heating System

Altered or replacement heating systems must not use electric resistance as the primary heat source.

Exceptions:

  1. When replacing a ducted, electric resistance space-heating system, electric resistance is NOT allowed, but a non-ducted, electric resistance space-heating system is allowed as an exception.
  2. When replacing a ducted, electric resistance space-heating system, if the existing space-heating system is electric resistance and a ducted space-cooling system is not being replaced or installed, an electric resistance space-heating system is allowed.
  3. In Climate Zones 7 and 15 only: When replacing any type of electric resistance space-heating system, electric resistance is allowed.

Revised: Altered or Replaced Water-heating System

Altered or replacement service water-heating systems or components must meet the applicable requirements below:

  1. Pipe Insulation: Minor change
  2. Distribution System: No change
  3. Water-heating Systems: Replacement water heater has been changed to be one of the following:
    1. A natural gas or propane water heater OR
    2. Single heat pump water heater: The storage tank must not be located outdoors and must be placed on an incompressible, rigid insulated surface with a minimum thermal resistance of R-10. The water heater must be installed with a communication interface that meets either the requirements of §110.12(a) or has an ANSI/CTA-2045-B communication port. OR
    3. One NEEA Tier 3 or greater heat pump water heater OR
    4. Replacing existing electric resistance water heater with a consumer electric water heater OR
    5. A water-heating system determined by the CEC Executive Director to use no more energy than the one specified in Item c above; or, if no natural gas is connected to the existing water heater location, a water-heating system determined by the Executive Director to use no more energy than Item d above

NEW: Mechanical Ventilation for Indoor Air Quality — Entirely New or Complete Replacement Ventilation Systems

When installing a new system that includes new fans and entirely new ducting (defined as ≥75% new duct material and existing duct material that is accessible and can be sealed), §150.0(o) (Requirements for Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality) must be met in its entirety.

New: Mechanical Ventilation for Indoor Air Quality — Altered Ventilation Systems

Envelope: Single Family Buildings

Mandatory Requirement Changes

(A mandatory requirement is required, and the requirement is not allowed to be traded away with other energy features.)

Revised Scope

Multifamily building standards are moved from the subchapters on low-rise residential buildings to new subchapters devoted to multifamily buildings. The group of buildings that was previously called low-rise residential is now called single-family and includes duplexes, townhomes, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs), in addition to single-family homes.

Revised Definitions

Dwelling Unit, Junior Accessory (JADU) is a dwelling unit that is no more than 500 square feet in size and contained entirely within an existing single family building. A JADU includes a kitchen, a separate entrance from the main entrance to the building, and an interior entry to the main living area. A JADU may include separate sanitation facilities, or may share sanitation facilities with the existing single family building.

Single-family Building is any of the following:

Revised: Roof Deck, Ceiling and Rafter Roof Insulation

New Mandatory U-factor requirements apply for the roof deck of new attics.

  1. In Climate Zones 4 and 8-16: If the air handler and ducts are located outside the conditioned space in a new attic, the roof deck separating attic spaces from ambient air has a new mandatory area weighted U-factor ≤0.184 (R-5 insulation above or below the roof deck).

    Exceptions

    • The space-conditioning system air handler and ducts are located entirely in conditioned space below the ceiling separating the occupiable space from the attic.
    • The space-conditioning system air handler is located in unconditioned space and has ≤12 linear feet of supply duct, including the length of the air handler and the plenum, located in unconditioned space, with all other portions of the supply ducts located in conditioned space below the ceiling separating the occupiable space from the attic.
  2. The ceiling and rafter roof area weighted U-factor of 0.043 (R-22) requirement remains the same, including the exception for U-factor ≤0.054 (existing framing using R-19 insulation).

Prescriptive Requirement Changes for Additions & Alterations to Existing Single-Family Residential Buildings

(A prescriptive requirement is required when using the "Prescriptive Compliance Path" to meet the energy code. Prescriptive requirements can be traded away with other energy features using the Performance Compliance Path" to meet the energy code.)

Revised: Additions ≤700 ft²

The Climate Zone trigger for roof and ceiling insulation for vented attics has changed:

  1. In Climate Zones 1, 2, 4 and 8-16: Overall assembly must have a U-factor ≤0.025 (wood-framed assemblies using insulation with R-value of ≥R-38).
  2. In Climate Zones 3 and 5-7: Overall assembly must have a U-factor ≤0.031 (wood-framed assemblies using insulation with R-value of ≥R-30).

Revised: Roofs

More Climate Zones will trigger the rated roofing product requirements.

Steep-sloped Roofs [greater than or equal to 2:12 pitch]:

Low-sloped Roofs [less than 2:12 pitch]:

  1. New Roofing Products: The Climate Zone trigger has changed in addition to revised exceptions. In Climate Zones 4 and 6-15, new roofing product must have minimum aged solar reflectance ≥0.63 AND minimum thermal emittance ≥0.75 OR SRI of 75 (applicable).

    Exceptions:

    • Revised roofing product requirements if insulation added per Table 150.2-B
    • Roof area covered with integrated PV or solar thermal panels
    • Roofs ≥25 lb/ft² in weight
  2. Roof Insulation: In Climate Zones 1, 2, 4 and 8-16, continuous insulation ≥R-14 and overall assembly U-factor ≤0.039 are required (R-11 in wood-framed cavity and R-14 at roof deck). See Table 150.2.

    Exceptions:

    1. Existing roof with ≥R-10 continuous insulation above or below the roof deck
    2. In Climate Zones 1, 2, 4 and 8-10: Existing roof with assembly U-factor ≤0.056 (R-19 between wood framing) AND insulation in contact with roof deck
    3. R-4 is allowed if one or more of the following is true:
      1. Mechanical equipment will not be lifted for reroofing efforts, and insulation beyond the R-4 will cause flashing issues per manufacturer installation requirements. (See California Residential Code §R900.)
      2. Sidewall or parapet walls will have flashing issues if insulated beyond R-4 per manufacturer installation requirements (See California Residential Code §R900.) provided that the sidewall and parapet walls are finished with material other that the roof covering membrane material, or sidewall and parapet cladding material would have to be replaced to maintain minimum flashing height, or the ratio of the replaced roof area to the linear dimension of affected sidewall or the parapet is <25 ft² per linear ft.

      Note: Increased insulation will cause flashing issues for existing fenestration or door manufacturer's installation instructions or via design professional flashing design. (See California Residential Code §§R703.4, R905.2.8.3.) When sloping towards roof drains, an alternative U-factor/R-value is allowed as long as overall weighted U-factor/R-value meets requirements

    4. The continuous insulation requirements in Table 150.2-C may be reduced where increasing the thickness of above deck insulation would reduce the flashing around an existing exterior wall opening below what is permitted by the fenestration or door manufacturer's installation instructions, or registered design professionals approved flashing design, as per the California Residential Code §R703.4 or §R905.2.8.3.
    5. Tapered insulation with thermal resistance less than prescribed at the drains and other low points may be used provided that the thickness of insulation is increased at the high points of the roof so that the average thermal resistance equals or exceeds the required value.

New: Ceiling

  1. In Climate Zones 1-4, 6 and 8-16: Overall weighted U-factor must be ≤0.20 (≥R-49 at ceiling). There is an exception for Climate Zones 1, 3 and 6 with existing R-19 insulation.
  2. In Climate Zones 2, 4 and 8-16: Air sealing of the ceiling plane between attic and conditioned space is required per §110.7. There are exceptions for when ≥R-19 ceiling insulation exists or when atmospherically vented space heating or water-heating combustion appliances are located inside the pressure boundary of the dwelling unit.
  3. In Climate Zones 1-4 and 8-16: Recessed can lights must be covered with same depth of insulation as the rest of the ceiling. If they are not insulation contact (IC) rated, they must be replaced with IC-rated cans or retrofitted with fire-proof covers allowing for insulation coverage. There is an exception for Climate Zones 1-4 and 8-10 using R-19 at the ceiling.
  4. Attic ventilation must follow requirements of the California Building Code.

Exceptions:

  1. There is existing ≥R-38 insulation at the ceiling.
  2. The Alteration would directly disturb asbestos.
  3. Knob and tube wiring is present in vented attic space.
  4. There is not enough accessible space in the attic to accommodate the R-value, in which the entire accessible space will be utilized while not violating California Residential Code §806.3.
  5. When attic space is shared with other dwelling units, only the attic space above the altered dwelling unit is required to meet these requirements.

New: Exterior Solid Doors

Alterations that increase exterior door area must meet U-factor requirements of §150.1(c)5 which states:

"Doors. Installed swinging door products separating conditioned space from outside or adjacent unconditioned space, but not including glazed door products, shall have an area-weighted average U-factor no greater than the applicable door value of 0.20 as stated in Table 150.1-A and shall be determined in accordance with Section 110.6(a)2. Glazed door products are treated as fenestration products in Sections 150.1(c)3 and 150.1(c)4."

Photovoltaic and Battery Storage and Solar, Electric and Battery Ready: Single Family Buildings

Mandatory Requirement Changes Photovoltaic and Battery Storage and Solar, Electric and Battery Ready

(A mandatory requirement is required, and the requirement is not allowed to be traded away with other energy features.)

NEW: Energy Storage Systems (ESS) Ready

Energy Storage Systems (ESS) Ready: In all single-family residences that include one or two dwelling units, all electrical components must be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code and must meet the following requirements:
  1. At least one of the following must be provided:
    1. ESS-ready interconnection equipment with a minimum backed up capacity of 60 amps and a minimum of four ESS-supplied branch circuits OR
    2. A dedicated raceway from the main service to a panelboard (subpanel) that supplies the branch circuits in §150.0(s)(2). All branch circuits are permitted to be supplied by the main service panel prior to the installation of an ESS. The trade size of the raceway must be not less than one inch. The panelboard that supplies the branch circuits (subpanel) must be labeled "Subpanel shall include all backed-up load circuits."
    AND
  2. A minimum of four branch circuits must be identified and have their source of supply collocated at a single panelboard suitable to be supplied by the ESS. At least one circuit must supply the refrigerator, one must supply the lighting circuit near the primary egress, and at least one circuit must supply a sleeping room receptacle outlet; AND
  3. The main panelboard must have a minimum busbar rating of 225 amp; AND
  4. Sufficient space must be reserved to allow future installation of a system isolation equipment or transfer switch within 3 ft of the main panelboard. Raceways must be installed between the panelboard and the system isolation equipment or transfer switch location to allow the connection of backup power source.

New: Heat Pump Space Heater Ready

If a natural or propane gas furnaces are installed:

  1. Dedicated, 240-volt branch circuit wiring must be installed within 3 ft from the furnace and accessible to the furnace with no obstructions. The branch circuit conductors must be rated at 30 amps minimum. The blank cover must be labeled "240V ready". All electrical components must be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code; AND
  2. The main electrical service panel must have a reserved space to allow for the installation of a double pole circuit breaker permanently labeled "For Future 240V use."

NEW: Electric Cooktop Ready

Systems using a gas or propane cooktop to serve individual dwelling units must include the following:

  1. Dedicated, 240-volt branch circuit wiring must be installed within 3 ft from the cooktop and accessible to the cooktop with no obstructions. The branch circuit conductors must be rated at 50 amps minimum. The blank cover must be labeled, "For 240V ready". All electrical components must be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code; AND
  2. The main electrical service panel must have a reserved space to allow for the installation of a double pole circuit breaker permanently labeled "For Future 240 V use".

NEW: Electric Clothes Dryer Ready

Clothes dryer locations with gas or propane plumbing to serve individual dwelling units must include the following:

  1. Dedicated, 240-volt branch circuit wiring must be installed within 3 ft from the clothes dryer location and accessible to the clothes dryer location with no obstructions. The branch circuit conductors must be rated at 30 amps minimum. The blank cover must be labeled "240V ready."
  2. The main electrical service panel must have a reserved space to allow for the installation of a double pole circuit breaker for a future electric clothes All electrical components must be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code; AND dryer installation. The reserved space must be permanently labeled "For Future 240V use."

Prescriptive Requirement Changes for Photovoltaic and Battery Storage and Solar, Electric and Battery Ready

(A prescriptive requirement is required when using the "Prescriptive Compliance Path" to meet the energy code. Prescriptive requirements can be traded away with other energy features using the Performance Compliance Path" to meet the energy code.)

Revised: Photovoltaic System Requirements

Clarifications are made to help determine a building' solar access roof area in order to calculate the minimum photovoltaic system kW requirements and determine if a project is eligible for an exception.

Note the revised exceptions.

The annual electrical output of a newly installed photovoltaic (PV) system and modules must be no less than the smaller of a PV system size determined using Equation 150.1-C, or the maximum PV system size that can be installed on the building's Solar Access Roof Area (SARA) meeting the minimum qualification requirements of JA11.

  1. SARA includes the area of the building's roof space capable of structurally supporting a PV system and the area of all roof space on covered parking areas, carports and all other newly constructed structures on the site that are compatible with supporting a PV system per California Building Code §1511.2.
  2. SARA does NOT include:
    1. Any roof area that has <70% annual solar access.

      Annual solar access is determined by dividing the total annual solar insolation, accounting for shading obstructions, by the total annual solar insolation if the same areas were unshaded by obstructions. For steep-slope roofs, only shading from existing permanent natural or manmade obstructions that are external to the dwelling, including but not limited to trees, hills and adjacent structures, must be considered for annual solar access calculations. For low-slope roofs, all obstructions including those that are external to the dwelling unit, and obstructions that are part of the building design and elevation features must be considered for the annual solar access calculations.

    2. Occupied roof areas are specified by California Building Code §503.1.4.
    3. Roof area that is otherwise not available due to compliance with other building code requirements if confirmed by the California Energy Commission Executive Director.

Exceptions:

  1. Steep-sloped Roofs: SARA must not consider roof areas with a northerly azimuth that lies between 300 degrees and 90 degrees from true north. No PV system is required if the SARA is <80 contiguous ft².
  2. Minimum PV System Size Specified by §150.0(c)14 <1.8 kWdc: No PV system is required.
  3. Snow Loads: Buildings with enforcement authority-approved roof designs, where the enforcement authority determines it is not possible for the PV system, including panels, modules and components and supports and attachments to the roof structure, to meet the requirements of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Standard 7-16, Chapter 7, Snow Loads.
  4. Reduced PV kW in Subdivisions: For buildings that are approved by the local planning department prior to January 1, 2020, with mandatory conditions for approval in which shading from roof designs and configurations for steep-sloped roofs and roof areas that are not allowed to have PVs required by the mandatory conditions for approval, must not be considered in determining the SARA.
  5. Reduced PV kW with Battery Storage Systems: PV system sizes that are determined using Equation 150.1-C may be reduced by 25% if installed in conjunction with a battery storage system. The battery storage system must meet the qualification requirements specified in Reference Joint Appendix JA12 and minimum usable capacity of ≤7.5 kWh.

Lighting: Single Family Buildings

Mandatory Requirement Changes Photovoltaic and Battery Storage and Solar, Electric and Battery Ready

(A mandatory requirement is required, and the requirement is not allowed to be traded away with other energy features.)

Definitions

REVISED: Inseparable Solid State Lighting (SSL) Luminaire is a luminaire featuring solid state lighting components such as LEDs, light engines, and/or driver components which cannot be easily removed or replaced by the end user, thus requiring replacement of the entire luminaire. Removal of solid state lighting components may require the cutting of wires, use of a soldering iron, or damage to or destruction of the luminaire. If solid state lighting components are not removable without destruction to the luminaire, the luminaire is deemed inseparable.

NEW: Tunable Lighting are light sources with the ability to alter their luminous flux and/or spectral power distribution. Tunable lighting includes the following types:

REVISED: Single-family Building is any of the following: a residential building of Occupancy Group R-3 with two or less dwelling units, a building of Occupancy Group R-3, other than a multifamily building or hotel/motel building, a townhouse, a building of Occupancy Group R-3.1, or a building of Occupancy Group U when located on a residential site.

REVISED: Luminaire Requirements Table 150.0-A has been revised.

  1. Luminaire Efficacy: All installed luminaires must meet the requirements in Table 150.0‑A.

Table 150.0-A Classification of High Luminous Efficacy Light Sources

Automatically considered high luminous efficacy (does NOT require JA8 certification) Must be JA8 certified/marked
1. LED light sources installed outdoors 7. All light sources installed in ceiling recessed downlight luminaires: Note that ceiling-recessed downlight luminaires must not have screw base sockets regardless of lamp type, as specified in §150.0(k)1C.
2. Inseparable solid state lighting (SSL) luminaires containing colored light sources that are installed to provide decorative lighting 8. Anything not listed in this table
3. Pin-based linear fluorescent or compact fluorescents with electronic ballasts  
4. High-intensity discharge (HID) light sources including pulse start metal halide and high-pressure sodium light sources  
5. Luminaires with a hardwired, high-frequency generator and induction lamp  
6. Ceiling fan lights kits subject to federal appliance regulations  
Exceptions
  1. Integrated Device Lighting: Lighting integral to exhaust fans, kitchen range hoods, bath vanity mirrors and garage door openers
  2. Navigation Lighting: Lighting such as night lights, step lights and path lights less than 5 watts
  3. Cabinet Lighting: Lighting internal to drawers, cabinetry and linen closets with an efficacy of 45 lumens per watt or greater
  1. Screw-based Luminaires: Screw-based luminaires must contain lamps that comply with Reference Joint Appendix JA8.
  2. Recessed Downlight Luminaires in Ceilings: There is a new exception to the airtight labeling and installation requirements for recessed luminaires that are either marked for use in fire-rated installations or are installed in non-insulated ceilings.
  3. Light Sources in Enclosed or Recessed Luminaires: No change, although this section has been reorganized.
  4. Blank Electrical Boxes: Language is added about how the blank electrical boxes must be served for dimmer, vacancy sensor control, low voltage wiring or fan speed control.

REVISED: Indoor Lighting Controls

  1. Automatic-off Controls: Walk-in closets have been added in addition to bathrooms, garages, laundry room and utility rooms as spaces requiring an occupancy/vacancy sensor with automatic-off functionality. It was clarified that lighting in opaque-fronted drawers and cabinetry must be controlled with automatic-off when a drawer or door is closed.
  2. Dimming Controls: Dimmers that are required for lighting in habitable spaces (e.g., living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens and bedrooms) must have readily accessible dimming controls. Forward phase-cut dimmers controlling LED light sources in these spaces must comply with NEMA SSL 7A.

    Exceptions:

    1. Ceiling fans with integrated lighting may use remote control.
    2. Luminaires connect to a circuit in which the controlled lighting power is <20 watts OR controlled by an occupancy/vacancy sensor providing automatic-off functionality.
    3. Lighting is <5 watts for navigation (e.g., night lights, step lights and path lights), or lighting is internal to opaque-fronted drawers and cabinetry (which may alternatively use automatic-off controls).
  3. Independent Controls: The following must be controlled independently:
    • Integrated lighting of exhaust fans from the fan function
    • Undercabinet lighting
    • Undershelf lighting
    • Interior lighting of display cabinets
    • Switched outlets

Learn more about the California Energy Commission (CEC) and its programs on its website.

As always, I am available to discuss the process of meeting the California Energy Code for any building project. Contact me …